die Laufbahn
career
A person's professional or career-related path and development.
EXAMPLE
Sie schlug eine akademische Laufbahn ein und wurde Professorin.
She pursued an academic career and became a professor.
die Laufbahn
career / track / orbit
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Meanings
die Laufbahn
track
A specially built track for running competitions in athletics, usually in a stadium.
EXAMPLE
Der Sprinter lief die 400 Meter auf der inneren Laufbahn.
The sprinter ran the 400 meters on the inner track.
die Laufbahn
orbit / trajectory
The flight path or orbit of a celestial body or projectile.
EXAMPLE
Astronomen berechneten die exakte Laufbahn des Kometen.
Astronomers calculated the exact orbit of the comet.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Laufbahn' is made up of 'Lauf' (from laufen, to run) and 'Bahn' (way, path). The meaning changes depending on what is moving along this 'Bahn' (path): a person's career, an athlete, or a celestial body.
EXAMPLE
Seine berufliche Laufbahn führte ihn durch viele Länder.
His professional career took him through many countries.
Context clues
The context reveals which meaning is intended. Words like 'Beruf' (profession) or 'Karriere' (career) point to professional development. 'Stadion' (stadium) or 'Rennen' (race) point to the sports track. 'Planet' or 'Komet' (comet) signal the astronomical meaning.
EXAMPLE
Er möchte nach der Schule eine Laufbahn als Polizist einschlagen.
After school, he wants to pursue a career as a police officer.
Typical collocations
In the sense of 'Karriere' (career), 'Laufbahn' is often used with the verb 'einschlagen' (to pursue / embark on). Typical adjectives are 'akademisch' (academic), 'politisch' (political), or 'beruflich' (professional).
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Studium schlug sie eine akademische Laufbahn ein.
After her studies, she pursued an academic career.
Preposition in sports
When referring to the running track in a stadium, the preposition 'auf' is almost always used. You run 'auf der Laufbahn' (on the track).
EXAMPLE
Die Athleten wärmen sich auf der Laufbahn für das Rennen auf.
The athletes are warming up on the track for the race.
Compare with
Laufbahn vs Karriere
career
Karriere and Laufbahn can both refer to a person's professional path. Karriere, however, often emphasizes achievements or advancement, while Laufbahn describes the course neutrally. Use Karriere when professional success is important, and Laufbahn when you mean the entire path without that evaluation.
Laufbahn
Seine Laufbahn begann nach dem Studium in einem kleinen Betrieb.
His career began at a small company after he graduated.
Karriere
Ihre Karriere führte sie von der Assistentin bis zur Abteilungsleiterin.
Her career took her from assistant to department manager.
In real life
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